Okay, statement-in-the-form-of-a-question-person: Yes, not particularly, and yes, they are.
I do find people are mostly rather more dull and listless than curious. I myself am on the dullish side, at least when measured against the ideal. (Not really. In fact, I'm tremendously brilliant -- scintillating, even -- but it doesn't do to toot one's own horn, now does it.)
Genuine curiosity about one's fellows is an exceedingly rare quality. Most of us are only curious insofar as it translates into direct personal benefit. I want to know about you so I can get you to like me or to let me do things to you (in the naughty way).
(When I say I, I don't mean I, I. I mean I in the ironically-self-deprecating-but-really-above-all-that-spiritually-superior sense of the word.)
And no, I don't find life to be substantially improved by the asking questions. Questions? Blech. If you ask questions you get answers that people expect you to pay attention to and remember, and who needs that kind of pressure. (See how relatable I am? Charming. A real "everyman," don't you think?)
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Do you find that people are more dull than curious: Don't you find life more interesting when you ask questions and learn. A lot of people are so afraid of discussion.
How is it that you know Italian?
I never studied Italian formally, though I did study Spanish and French for years. Once you have enough exposure to the Romance languages, they all tend to blend together.
Plus, I am secretly le Comte de Saint-Germain.
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Friday, April 16, 2010
Do you find vampires just a bit overrated and boring? Besides that, what has been haunting you most lately, you know, those haunting thoughts that sometimes ooze into your sub-conscious and slap you conscious?
I've never been attracted to parasites, supernatural or otherwise. Besides, everybody knows vampires smell and have terrible taste in music.
What haunts me? Well there's a funny, flippant answer and there's the truth.
I've been haunted recently by the sound of banjos playing in the distance and the muffled voices of angry old white men shouting about Jesus and taxes and ni***rs and homasexshuls -- perhaps I've been paying too close attention to the whole Tea Party phenomenon. (shudder)
But in truth, what haunts me is what I suspect haunts many -- the fear that I am alone, and will remain alone, truly alone, forever.
'Cause I roll all existential like that.
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Monday, April 5, 2010
What do you find most valuable in a person? What do you find interesting?
Valuable? Honesty. I mean, I basically make stuff up for a living, and I could be accused of living in a fantasy land most of the time, but I am absolutely honest with myself and others about my own shortcomings. I can be arrogant, self-righteous and self-centered; but I can also be kind, generous and empathetic. I hope others value that honesty in me, and I certainly value it in others.
Interesting? I'm most interested in people whose experiences and views are different than mine (as long as they are not dogmatists or proselytes). Knowledge and intellect are interesting -- and important -- but so is emotional depth. A sense of humor is a real turn-on for me.
Oh, and extreme physical beauty and 'flexible morals,' of course. Verrry interesting.
See, honest :)
Sunday, April 4, 2010
in decay
Look at my hands
There's so much here
That I don't understand
Your face saving promises
Whispered like prayers
I don't need them
‘Cause I've been treated so wrong
I've been treated so long
As if I'm becoming untouchable
Well contempt loves the silence
It thrives in the dark
With fine winding tendrils
That strangle the heart
I'm a slow dying flower
A frost killing hour
The sweet turning sour
And untouchable
Do you remember the way
That you touched me before
All the trembling sweetness
I loved and adored?
They say that promises
Sweeten the blow
But I don't need them
No, I don't need them
I need
The darkness
The sweetness
The sadness
The weakness
O, I need this
I need
A lullaby
A kiss goodnight
The angel sweet
Love of my life
O, I need this
Well is it dark enough?
Can you see me?
Do you want me?
Can you reach me?
Or I'm leaving
You better shut your mouth
And hold your breath
Kiss me now you'll catch your death
O, I mean this
Friday, April 2, 2010
How to Be Authentic on Twitter and Other Social Networks
While I had to use the first part to get in some shots at twitterfakes and gurus and autotweeters (wow, I hate those guys), the second part is a message about authenticity that I think is pretty valuable.
Here's an excerpt:
Say what you think. Don’t hold back out of fear of losing a follower. I’m not advocating saying hurtful things that drive people away, but if you censor yourself because you’re afraid the truth might not be popular, you’re only a hop, skip and a jump away from fakesville.
Being authentic makes you interesting. It makes you valuable. It makes you a member of a real community, instead of a player in a meaningless game. If you simply “be yourself,” people will follow. Maybe not tens of thousands or thousands or even hundreds, but how much artificial validation do you really need?
It is absolutely possible to form real connections and even friendships on Twitter. But that’ll never happen if you don’t let people see the real you.
Be yourself, follow people who are interesting and real, talk to them, post and retweet things you think others might like to see. This, my friends, is the “super duper Twitter secret to success.” Nothing more.
What side do you come down on? Do you find it easy to be yourself on Twitter? Or are you playing a numbers game just to get more followers?
Thursday, April 1, 2010
What are your five most cherished memories from your childhood (pre-18)?
1. Seeing the redwood forests for the first time.
2. Getting lost at White Sands
3. Swimming with my pony (he loved the water)
4. Watching my mother pick tomatoes while funnel clouds blew overhead
5. That one, very sweet kiss that seemed to last an hour
Who's your favourite artist (as in painter or other media) and why?
Yikes. Good question. Let's do a pick three: Leonora Carrington, Sally Mann, Cindy Sherman. Leonora was absolutely mad, but painted beautifully. I love what Sally has done recently with the "What Remains" series. Cindy is also mad, and her work pleases me in a disturbing, visceral and often unpleasant way. I must say I prefer her early work. She really blurred the line between artist and subject, which I find intellectually appealing.
